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Best Flashlights Reviewed & Rated for Quality
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Responsiveness
The first thing we rated products on was light quality, which was based on a smaller ranking of multiple subset specifications. Lumens, watts and area of the environment the light was able to reach were the determining factors with these criteria. Surprisingly, all that were equipped with compatible batteries passed this test with flying colors.
This has a lot to do with LED as an innovation with light, and it just proves how rock solid the technology is across the board. In order to gain some separation with all of the choices when handling this criterion, we did a side by side comparisons of specifications and paired them with the actual visual data. This was the root of our list or at the very least the starting point.
Effectiveness
In this guide we discuss lumens, so you know that you can decide how strong you need your light to be in your circumstances. However, there is another thing to consider with light output, and that is how the light beams are delivered.
Flood light Vs Throw light
Flashlights are capable of delivering a light beam in a widespread “flood” or in a sharp, narrow beam. A majority of lights have a compromise between the two, but this is something to also consider. Do you want a wide span of light or a more precise beam? A thing to note is that if yours does not specify, chances are that it is a compromise between the two.
Floodlight has vast coverage that is great for close-up things such as a dark path, a campsite or the interior of a building.
Throw light is for specialty lighting, such as searching for something that is at a long distance. This can prove difficult for a more common task.
Battery Life
Batteries were up next, as we measured how long they lasted with each product at the highest settings. Power draw with most of the list was above average, with a couple of standouts showing that they remained bright even when the battery was running low. This was the most important battery usage feature to us, as the auto-dim option when on the low battery is more of a pain than it is a helper.
Products that used every ounce of the battery even when it was on its last legs gained significant spots on the list. The only other battery test we ran had to do with how fast the batteries that can be recharged reached full capacity. This only affected a small portion of the list and was insignificant enough that not a lot of spots changed.
Features
The last two things we looked at was related to extras and durability, both very important in the buying process. For extras, kits and packs were given priority over the regular items on the list. That explains why the best product on the list is sold in packs, and it also points to the multiple starter kits on the list.
They were a better value from the start, and all without increasing the already low price for the products that were available without kits or packs. We also considered modes to be part of the extras group, which dropped a considerable amount of choices off of the list as they lacked simple strobe and high/low options.
Durability
Durability was based on resistance, as there were a lot of choices that had water, scratch and slip resistance out of the box. The slip resistance was a feature we valued more than water since all of the choices on the list are small/portable in size.
We still didn’t ignore the importance of water resistance with products on the list and adjusted the list accordingly. This also caused the most choices on the list to be dropped off, as they lacked the durability to be considered a valuable buy. All of the remaining products on the top ten are considered to be tough enough to handle drops and bad weather.
10 Best Flashlights
1. Rockbirds RB-7W
At the top of the list is Rockbirds with their top tier product. This mini version is the last pack on the list, and also the best.
More Than A Double Pack
Beyond the default two-pack, there is a four-pack and a six-pack available for purchase. That makes it a great item for families or groups that need multiple options.
Strong
The outer casing of this one is made from aluminum that will provide a good amount of durability. Meaning when you accidentally drop it you need not worry about pieces snapping off like they do with plastic versions.
Cost and Value
And the most surprising thing about this product is that it is low priced. That is a great value buy for the best on the list.
2. SureFire P2X
A simple, small and very effective little handheld little light that bills itself as being completely indestructible and illuminates with a pretty impressive 600 lumens. And we’ve always been fans of lights with the button on the back because it just makes life that much easier in the dark. While it puts out plenty of light this little light will run for hours.
Focused LED Output
This is single-source light but the casing and the way it’s constructed provide you with a solid focused single beam of light that’s going to cast a strong beam on whatever it is you’re trying to find in the dark. That’s the great thing about LED’s when they’re built right, or focused right they can give you an almost laser-like a precision beam.
Virtually Indestructible
If you’ve got kids, or you’re outside a lot then you’re flashlight is going to take quite a beating and this light is going to stand up to the worst your kids or the weather are going to throw their way. The casing is aluminum but it’s anodized and brought up to military spec so it’ll take quite a beating.
Cost and Value
A bit pricey but when you get up into the these really bright LED lights then you are, unfortunately going to be paying a premium for these kinds of lights. That’s unfortunate but the good news is that this light is going to give you the quality you’re looking for so if you have to shell out the cash, this light is a good choice.
3. Fenix Flashlights
This little monster advertises as being able to give you a beam that will shine at up to 1000 lumens. Now that’s a bright light but somehow it happens in this little palm-sized beast. When you need a light this powerful this is going to give you what you need, but not for long. That much light sucks batteries but in a pinch, this is an incredibly powerful light for the money and the size.
Tough Construction
Generally, we find that a good one is going to be encased in anodized aluminum and this light is no different. It’s has a type III anodized body that’s going to take a beating and stay shining. It also comes with a handy clip that lets you attach it to a belt or pocket and keep it handy.
6 output modes
From a battery-saving lower lumen setting to a full-on powerful 1000 lumen setting this light lets you easily shift from the low lumen and high battery life to High lumens that unfortunately are going to provide you with only about 30 minutes of battery life. Either way, this is an adaptable light that’s going to do what you need.
Cost and Value
A bit pricey but about mid-range when all is said and done. This is a solid light that’s going to let you choose easily between brightness and battery life. It’s tough, and it fits easily in the palm of your hand. A great product.
4. Anker Ultra-Bright Tactical Flashlight
“You think that’s a good find? Now this (brandishes the Anker Ultra), is better!” And it is, with a powerful 1300 lumen guarantee this light is going to turn the darkest, stormiest night into day with the touch of a button. The three Cree LED’s make this a truly a great find that will light up just about anything you can imagine.
Long-Lasting Battery Life
This advertises up to 6 hours of battery life and also boasts a rechargeable battery that will get you back up and running in about 8 hours of recharge time. That seems like a lot, but at least you don’t have to change batteries.
Ultra Bright
1300 Lumens is about the high end of what you can expect in a handheld. And that is one crazy bright light. If you need more than that, then maybe you’re going to have to upgrade to a handheld that runs off your car battery. But we think that this light is going to give you all the light you’re ever going to need.
Cost and Value
This comes at a great price. Honestly, you’re getting so much light for your money we had to look for some downsides but really couldn’t find many. If you’re looking to maximize lumens and not pay that much this is the light for you.
5. CVLIFE 118-T6
CVLIFE is a familiar name for most people, as they’re used to purchasing top products from the company. Buyers can count the XML T6 as another one of those quality products, and one of the best on the list overall.
800 Lumens
This is one of the most powerful in a size this small. By using specialized LED’s, this really lives up to the hype when it needs to illuminate an area.
Tough Exterior
Made with a tough outer exterior, you can be sure that this one will last over the years. As we all know, dropping things happens even when we are extremely careful.
Cost and Value
Sporting a low price, consider this another great value in a long list of products. Even if the battery is a little flaky, it is easy and cheap to replace.
6. Hausbell HB-7W-SDT
At first glance, this looks like an average 2 pack with regular modes. After using it for a bit, buyers realize that at the current price it’s a steal.
A Great Light
With 300 Lumens to play with, there is no need to go to a larger product. This little portable monster can handle any related tasks just fine.
Adjusting the Beam
Here is a unit that allows you to choose between three light settings. Letting you choose how bright you want the light to be. Also, there is a feature that lets you adjust the size of the beam as well.
Cost and Value
This is a really low-cost purchase, no matter which model you choose. The value of the buy will depend on if you need any of the modes that are missing from the main bundle.
7. Streamlight 66118
Buyers should consider this one of the more unconventional choices on the list, but one that has earned its spot. The Streamlight 66118 is the only pen-light on the list, and for good reason.
The Most Portable Available
When it comes to portability, this product blows every other out of the water. It is the size of a pen but functions with the full power regular product.
Water-Resistant
Water-resistance is a helpful little aspect that can preserve the life of the light. It helps reduce the amount of fogging that can appear between the lens and bulb.
Cost and Value
This is one of the highest-priced items on the list, but still low price. The value is great, but keep in mind that the #10 item can be purchased for less and contains four.
8. LuxPower Tactical V1000
Count this as another that comes in a pack, only this time the individual quality is a little better. LuxPower earns a spot on the list and really pushes a model that does a few things differently than the competition.
Durable
The Tactical V1000 is a shock, water and weather-resistant. It’s the toughest on the list and will handle more than its share of bumps and drops.
Multi-Pack
This selection gives you a little more bang for your buck in the value department. When purchasing this option, you get two for the price of one basically.
Cost and Value
Any product that is this durable will always have a high value with customers. The price is low, and with it coming in a pack of two, the deal really stands out.
9. YIFENG XML-T6
Some of the better parts of owning this are discovered weeks after owning it. The manual that comes with this Yifeng model does little justice to show just how polished of a product it is.
Multiple Light Modes
They didn’t just create useless light modes, and instead loaded it up with modes that customers would actually use. You can choose from the strobe, high, middle, low and SOS.
Focus
You can zoom the beam in and out to make the light as big or small as you need. This is perfect for those times when you need a smaller beam that will go a little further when trying to see in the distance.
Cost and Value
Whether you purchase the single pack or the double pack, the price is low. For such a small handheld item, it has a lot of useful light features that work in-home and outside situations.
10. BYB E-0429
Sometimes quantity is a great way to win over customers that are having a hard time making a buying decision. This is a great set for users with large homes that want to store their light in multiple locations.
Pack Of Four
You can’t beat the value of four in one package, especially when they are good value. This is a strong selling point for customers that need a one in their car, home, office, and garage.
Strobe Mode
In the event of an emergency, you want every resource available to you in order to signal for help. With this light, you have an added tool to help you out. Simply turn on the strobe function and the light will signal an SOS for you.
Cost and Value
This is a really good value at a low price, and that isn’t even accounting for the quantity in this one pack. Buyers will get a lot of use out of these for a long time.